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Welcome to Our Remodeling Tips Newsletter Page where we feature articles from our newsletter that range from news about our company to helpful tips about remodeling and home maintenance.  We hope you enjoy the articles and welcome your input.

To select a topic to read, Click on the title below:

What is Remodeling Magazine's "Big 50"?
Craftsmen Wins A Chrysalis Award
Building a Basement With Your Addition
Craftsmen Raises The Flag
What you should know about CCA-treated wood
Why Mold and Other Ills Are Found In A Crawl Space
Guild Quality Survey
How To Choose The Right Contractor
Water In The Crawl Space?
Landscape Design and Construction by Craftsmen
NARI Certified Professionals
What Is The White Buildup Around The Shower Drain?
Craftsmen Named A TOP 500 Remodeling Firm

Craftsmen Named A TOP 500 Remodeling Firm
By Qualified Remodeler Magazine

Qualified Remodeler is an essential business management resource for more than 90,000 companies in the remodeling industry.

Craftsmen Construction Company, Charlotte, NC, has been named a Top 500 company by Qualified Remodeler Magazine.  The magazine publishes a top 500 list annually to honor residential remodeling firms for financial performance, revenue growth and dedication to specialized services.  Data is provided by remodeling firms and is verified by certified public accountants, accounting firms, banks and suppliers.

The 2000 top 500 list was published in the September issue of the magazine and is available on the magazine’s popular companion website at www.QRmagazine.com.

Companies were officially honored at a reception on Wednesday, October 18, 2000, in Detroit, MI.

Craftsmen Construction ranked #195 in 2000 on the Qualified Remodeler Top 500 list. “The ranking is an indicator that the goals we established in 1997 to reorganize an already highly successful remodeling firm into a regional remodeling leader have been successful,” says Craftsmen’s Vice President. “Though the ranking certainly distinguishes us for our performance, our aim, however, has never been to be one of Charlotte’s biggest remodeling contractors. Goal one has always been to create a company where exceptional service and an outstanding product would result from our assembling the best building talent utilizing exceptional management systems. Company growth and financial success are by-products of years of customer satisfaction.”

Craftsmen has been remodeling fine homes in the Charlotte area since 1951 when it was founded by Boyce M. Brown. Now led by his son David, Craftsmen specializes in whole house remodeling and renovations as well as the occasional custom home.

Founded in 1975, Qualified Remodeler Magazine was the first magazine dedicated to serving the residential remodeling market.  The magazine is published by Cygnus Publishing, a division of Cygnus Business Media, and serves an audience of more than 90,000 residential remodeling firms. 

What Is The White Buildup Around The Shower Drain?

Q. Recently I've run into a couple of incidents where a crystallized white substance has formed on the shower floor and in the drain. In both cases the showers have mud-set floors and are entirely tiled. The water is from a public source. In one case, the drain was almost entirely blocked. To clean it, we had to take a screwdriver and chip it away. Is this a chemical reaction of the tile grout with cleaning or shampoo products?

A. Michael Byrne responds: There are a couple of possible culprits. The first is efflorescence, which occurs early in the life of a mortar bed installation when minerals from the sand-cement-lime mix get deposited on the tiles. It usually happens because too much of a particular ingredient — hydrated lime or Portland cement, for example — has been used. The shower water brings salts and minerals to the surface of the tile, and a white deposit is left behind when the water evaporates. If materials within the mortar bed, adhesive mortar, or grout are the problem, the efflorescence should go away after 28 days — the curing period for Portland cement products.

Efflorescence can also be caused by salts or minerals being carried by an outside source of water. This happens frequently when ground water seeps through a foundation wall or slab. The cure here is to stop water before it can enter a structure.

The buildup you're seeing might also indicate that the weep holes in the shower drain are clogged. If the water moving through the mortar bed to the weep holes can't exit, the mortar bed will become saturated with water that will wick upwards into the wall setting bed materials, or through the floor tile grout joints where it evaporates and leaves its mineral cargo behind on the surface of the tiles.

Hard water is another possible explanation for the buildup. You mentioned the water is from a public source, so if the water is hard, it would be common knowledge. Evidence of hard water is easy to find: Look for deposits and crust on showerheads and tub spouts, and for visible waterline marks around the inside of toilet bowls. The best solution is to install a water softener; otherwise, the buildup will continue and may eventually clog the shower drain's weep holes.

Cleaners strong enough to remove lime, salt, or other mineral deposits, yet safe enough for use with tiles are available from most tile supply stores.

Contributing editor Michael Byrne is an expert tile setter and consultant in Los Olivos, Calif.

NARI Certified Professionals

Certified Remodeler (CR)

David W. Brown, President, GC, CR

Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC)

Daniel Owens, Project Manager, CLC 

What does NARI Certification mean to you?
Deciding to remodel your home is a big decision. Outside of buying your home, it may be the single biggest investment you make. You need to know that the remodeling contractor you choose is a full-time, dedicated remodeling professional. NARI's certification program offers this assurance through its extensive screening and testing process.

Only full-time, professional remodeling contractors are eligible for certification by NARI. You can be assured that any time you hire a NARI certified remodeling contractor, you are hiring an individual who has made a strong commitment to the professionalism of the remodeling industry and to his or her business. And because remodelers are not eligible for certification until they have been actively involved in the remodeling industry for at least five years, you know that the NARI certified remodeling professional you hire has had a number of years to develop the experience and skills that can only be gained through extensive hands-on practice.

How does a remodeling contractor become certified?
NARI certification is a challenging process, requiring extensive knowledge of the industry and a commitment to professional conduct. Even highly experienced and skilled remodelers find the screening and testing process formidable.

As a homeowner, you can gain a sense of security knowing that the NARI certified remodeling professional they hire has:

1. Received an acceptable review by the NARI Certification Board by providing an outline detailing their hands-on experience, industry training, involvement in continuing education, technical skills, practices in business management, as well as association and community service.

2. Committed to intensive study on a broad range of critical industry issues. Most certification candidates participate in a formal study group and spend eight to twelve weeks studying in preparation for a one day written exam.

3. Successfully completed a comprehensive written examination covering critical subjects areas such as sound business management practices, knowledge of building codes and construction law, plans and specification, proper and safe use of tools and equipment, safety, standards of practice, math, and several special skill areas. Once awarded their certification, NARI certified remodeling professionals must meet annual re-certification requirements involving continuing education and participation in industry related programs.

NARI certified remodeling professionals have pledged to abide by NARI's strict Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only national association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. NARI's focus is on professional conduct, continuing education and training, and fair and ethical treatment within the industry. NARI certification of professional remodeling contractors serves as the association's recognition of remodeling professionals who have met stringent criteria for experience and pledged a commitment to high standards of practice and NARI's Code of Ethics.

Landscape Design and Construction by Craftsmen

“Assimilating the art of landscape architecture and the construction of fine craftsmen to produce gardens of serenity and sanctuary.”

Did you know that Craftsmen Construction not only renovates and remodels existing homes and constructs new homes, but we offer full landscaping design and construction services to meet even the most discriminating tastes. Our integrated landscape management services can free you from the inefficiencies and loss of managerial control that comes from the use of multiple contractors, designers and a myriad of subcontractors.

Craftsmen can coordinate the design, planning and implementation of all of your landscape needs including:

§         Grading
§         Storm drainage
§         Irrigation
§         Landscape lighting
§         Brick, stone, plain or stamped concrete walkways & patios
§         Cobblestone unit paving
§         Chimneys
§         Landscape plantings
§         Fountains
§         Decks, Trellis’s, Pool Cabanas
§         Concrete & asphalt driveways integrating designs & borders 

Whether you are considering making major or even minor changes to your home’s landscape, call Craftsmen Construction first for an on site consultation.

How To Choose The Right Contractor

There are few undertakings more intimidating than the prospect of remodeling your home. We hear this almost daily when we meet with new customers.

Craftsmen Construction can be the last contractor you ever need to call.

We understand your concerns, even fears, about the process and have made it as simple as possible. With Craftsmen Construction as you partner, you won’t need to worry about:

• Are they reliable? Can I trust them in my house?

• Will my project take twice as long as the Contractor promised?

• Are there lots of hidden costs or add-ons that I will be surprised with?

• Will the quality meet my expectations?

• Will the Contractor start when he said he would?

• Are they properly insured?

• Will they be around in five years when I need them?

Your Home is Hoping for Craftsmen…Listen to Your Home and Give Us a Call Today (704) 537-7337.

Guild Quality Survey

Year after year we help people take their dreams and ideas and build them into reality.  As most of you know, it starts with your imagination for how you might improve upon your house.  Through many hours of design work and meetings, we end up with a plan.

Next comes the construction.  We pride ourselves on providing the best quality workmanship in the industry.  We also go to great lengths to ensure our clients receive unmatched service throughout the entire project.

There are many people involved in the production of a home addition or a kitchen renovation.  Every one of them feels the satisfaction of a beautiful project newly completed.  But the greatest pleasures we receive are the glowing compliments of a happy customer.

We at Craftsmen Construction are always endeavoring to be sure we are providing you with the very best service possible, at every stage of the renovation, addition or custom home that we build.

Recently, we have subscribed to a professional building-trades survey service, and many of you have been contacted by Guild Quality and have responded to their survey.

The results are overwhelmingly positive, thanks to your responses.

*100% of our customers would recommend Craftsmen to a friend or family member.

The industry average is 60%.

*80.8% of our customers indicated that the overall experience was easier than expected.

*100% satisfaction ratings based upon:

Expertise used to build the project.
Organization and professional approach.
Use of new technologies and innovative techniques.
Keeping costs on budget.
Workmanship
Communication
Clean Work Site.
Trust

The response rate to the survey was 89% of our customers for whom we worked over the last year.

We appreciate the positive feedback that encourages us to continue providing the best remodeling and custom home building services possible.

If you care to drop us a line, or email us, we’d love to hear from you.  If writing is not your thing, you can more than thank us by recommending us to your friends and relatives.  The lifeblood of our company is the continued support from our many loyal customers.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your help in our company’s success.  We’d also like to thank you in advance for your future support.

Why Mold and Other Ills Are Found In A Crawl Space

There has been so much hype about mold in homes these days that we wanted to take a look at the problem from a practical and technical point of view.

Mold is everywhere! In the air we breathe, in the food we eat, even in the clothes we wear. There are over 100,000 different kinds of mold, some (about 400) are dangerous (e.g. Stachybotrys).  There are also beneficial molds, and without them we would not have penicillin or blue cheese.

On any given day, there are up to ten thousand mold spores in a cubic yard of air. Most people can tolerate this, maybe sneeze a little, but for the unfortunate few, who are allergic to mold spores, this can be very unhealthy.

To control the growth of mold spores you must first reduce the amount of moisture. Inside a house we can control the moisture. Air conditioning helps almost all the time.

Controlling moisture in the crawl space, however, is an entirely different matter. Crawl spaces are most commonly used in the Southeast, which has high summer humidity and lots of moisture in the soil (clay). Nutrients are everywhere (wood structures, dust particles in the insulation and in the soil). Mold spore counts in crawl spaces are usually high, up to 10 times higher, than in outdoor air.

Almost all southern states building codes concerning crawl spaces are geared towards preventing wood rot and/or (termites) and not mold. Natural ventilation is considered adequate as long as there are enough wall openings. Application of a vapor barrier (6mil plastic) will allow the builder to reduce the number of openings. However, the minimum space requirement (crawl space floor to underside of floor system) by building code is 18” or 24” inches and this is not enough to create a sufficient airflow. Even though this spacing is tighter than it should be, the building code allows a tighter condition if treated framing materials are substituted. Unfortunately, there are many crawl spaces, where the clearance is 2 feet or less. If you factor in the HVAC ducts, there is often no room to wiggle left. Many HVAC units completely dissect the crawl space and choke it. Almost all the crawl spaces we have seen with a clearance of more than 4-5 feet have very few problems.

But what about mold and mildew?

In general, wood rot can be avoided if the wood moisture content is kept below 20% and/or 50ºF. The balance of 20% wood moisture at 70ºF temperature in the crawl space corresponds to 89% relative humidity. Most recommendations are to lower the humidity to 40-60% in order to stop mold and mildew from growing. This might be possible inside the house, but impractical if not impossible in the crawl space. 

In a crawl space, a humidity level of 75% is considered very dry and corresponds to a wood moisture of only 14.5%, which is considered very good during the summer. Depending on soil conditions and geographic location 85-90% humidity is more likely during the summer months. This means that mold is growing and releasing spores all the time. It also means for all practical purposes that you can only reduce the mold growth to a minimum but never eliminate it completely.

Through the years, we have seen so many moisture / water issues in crawl spaces that we have become convinced that the best mold and moisture preventative is to assure proper ventilation of the crawl space. If the moisture level can be mechanically controlled, then the home is no longer held hostage by all of the possible home failures that we have seen all too often. These moisture and water issues include the following list (in the order of severity):

• HVAC condensate lines or pumps not working (or not properly installed) and spilling water onto the ground
• Dryer vent pipe connections loose or broken
• Yard irrigation systems too close to the house and running too long
• Old walls left standing when an addition was built
• HVAC ducts loose at manifold or at the floor register
• Heavy sweating from the HVAC ducts and coolant lines (insufficient or old insulation)
• Not enough wall vents
• Many dead corners (or even large zones) with poor air circulation
• Shrubs growing to close to the house
• Water and sewer leaks
• Incorrectly installed (or missing) filter doors in the HVAC
• Wall vents below grade level, usually covered with debris
• Wall vents below grade with no airwell walls to divert surface water away from vent
• Wall vents closed
• Wall vents of poor design
• Porches vented into the crawl space
• Low decks covering many wall openings.

You have probably experienced at least a few of these problems. Some can be easily remedied. A few are more costly. A well-designed ventilation system that exchanges the inside stale air with fresh outside air will greatly improve the performance of your crawl space and will help offset many of these issues outlined above. The system that Craftsmen has installed and recommends is called the ATMOX Crawl Space Ventilation System. Each system is created based upon the specific needs of each crawl space. For more information regarding this issue please contact Thomas Huber 704-867-3772.

Water In The Crawl Space?

The rains of 2003 will last in the memories of Charlotteans for years to come. On the heels of a four year drought, the ground is not only replenished but saturated causing the ground water to flow at much higher levels than in previous years. When a home’s foundation is in this water’s path, it becomes a collecting pool unless protective provisions have already been made. As a result, we have been receiving calls throughout the Spring and Summer from frustrated homeowners who are now experiencing wet crawl spaces and basements.

Craftsmen regularly evaluates crawl space conditions.
Our advantage, as a general contractor that specializes in residential remodeling, is that we are looking at your crawl space or basement in the context of its entire environment – not just one or two specialties that may or may not be needed.

Proper crawl space control is maintained through a thorough review of your foundation drainage system, heating and air conditioning systems (HVAC) and ventilation.

The foundation drainage system is the primary water preventative or removal method. If the home is new, this is usually taken care of by an exterior French drain system accompanied by a properly installed waterproofing membrane. As the water hits the membrane, it drops down and into the piping where it is then carried away from the foundation by gravity or by pump. Older homes, however, do not have the benefit of such a system and, though it can be installed, our experience has proven that this is a very expensive and often ineffective solution to the problem. Though water may attack the foundation walls, it will, in many circumstances, travel under the foundation and enter the crawl space from the inside. An interior French drain system, connected to a sump pit, is a very cost-effective way of dealing with these through-the-wall and ground water intrusions. A trench is dug along the edge of the foundation in the affected area allowing the water to flow directly into and away through the perforated piping.

A review of the current HVAC system(s) is also made.
We investigate un-insulated air conditioning ducts, the condition of existing air ducts (looking for signs that air is being sucked into the house from the crawl space), missing or incorrectly installed filter doors and broken or improperly run dryer vent piping that can introduce a great deal of moisture into the crawl space. Heavy
sweating from old and un-insulated HVAC ducts can also cause
pools of standing water. All of these and any other potential water
and moisture sources must be investigated prior to considering additional measures.

Finally, we determine the adequacy of the ventilation available to the crawl space.
We investigate: The amount of space between the floor system and crawl space surface – the taller the better; the number of foundation vents available and the effectiveness of these vents. Landscaping, for instance, can greatly restrict the amount of air that otherwise effective foundation vents can allow. We look for additions such as decks and patios that may have been built over former vent locations with no regard to their effect on crawl space ventilation. We provide: State-of-the-art, computer controlled foundation ventilation systems that monitor the relative humidity in the crawl space evaluating when the air needs to be circulated and exchanged.

Craftsmen provides solutions that are right for your unique situation.
A high level of moisture in a crawl space can have profound effects on a wood floor system by introducing dry rot. The home’s foundation can be compromised by moist or water saturated soil. Don’t let water and moisture problems surprise you. Let us assist you by evaluating the conditions in your crawl space and in making the appropriate recommendations for your home. Please call Ed Dgien or David Brown to schedule a home visit 704-537-7337.

What you should know about CCA-treated wood

Arsenic, a toxic chemical has been used for years to treat wood for use in decks, play-scapes, patios, walkways, picnic tables and fences.  However, wood with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a preservative that contains an inorganic form of arsenic, has been found to pose health risks to people and animals.  Arsenic leaches from CCA-treated wood, leaving residues on the wood surface and in nearby soil.  Young children who play on or near play-scapes or decks made from treated wood, can get arsenic on their skin and into their bodies, especially if they eat or drink without washing their hands.  Over time, daily exposure to arsenic can increase a person’s risk of developing lung, skin and bladder cancers.  Burning treated wood or working with the treated wood without proper protection may expose a person to arsenic and may cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Because of the health risks, as of December 31, 2003, arsenic will no longer be used to treat wood for decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, gazebos, residential fencing patios, walkways, boardwalks and play structures.

To protect children and others from arsenic in wood, North Carolina health officials recommend using alternative materials such as redwood, cedar, plastics or composite materials for new structures.  For existing structures, state health officials recommend using a penetrating sealant like an oil-based semi-transparent stain to significantly reduce the amount of arsenic released from the wood.  Children and others should wash hands thoroughly after coming in contact with the wood, and especially before eating or drinking.  Do not burn treated wood, as toxic chemicals are released in the smoke and become concentrated in the ashes.

For a complete list of recommendations from the North Carolina Medial Evaluation and Risk Assessment Branch of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, visit www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/oii/cca.html, or call the Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch at (919) 733-3410.

Craftsmen Raises The Flag 

Ever since the relocation to our new facility at 4901 Silabert Avenue several years ago, we have been on the lookout for a flag-pole. But, until recently, we had been without luck until David Brown, Craftsmen’s President ran into someone who happened to be selling poles that had formally been used for street lighting. Never one to turn down a bargain, David bought the 40 foot pole in hopes that he could modify it for our purposes. Thus began a mission of careful restoration and reconditioning requiring a painstaking effort that has already become a part of Craftsmen folklore sure to be passed down to future generations. 

Our storage facility became the temporary home to what became its dominant feature for many weeks. Evenings and even some weekends were spent scraping, sanding, painting and retrofitting. The length was cut down to 37 feet and capped off with a shiny brass ornament representing the world.

The anchor for such a tall structure would need to be substantial. A six foot deep by three foot wide round hole was excavated in the front lawn. A structural steel cage was assembled and lowered into the hole with four one inch anchor-bolts integrated into the cage. One and a half yards of concrete were placed into the hole and given over a week to set up.

Our entire staff gathered recently on a chilly Friday morning to join together in erecting a little bit of Craftsmen history.



Craftsmen Wins A Chrysalis Award

Continuing to set new standards of professionalism, 108 remodeling companies from 35 states were honored at the 7th annual Chrysalis Awards for Remodeling Excellence on June 9th. The awards, sponsored by Lowe’s companies and Professional Remodelor Magazine, were presented at the Southern Building Show in Charlotte, N.C.

Judged by the staff of the Southern Living Magazine, Sunset Magazine, and Homestyles.com, the winners were selected from over 600 entries in over 30 categories covering all aspects of remodeling. The entries were judged on overall design, the creative use of space and materials, and the degree to which the project enhanced the original structure.

This year the special award for room additions over $ 100,000 went to Craftsmen Construction Co., Inc. of Charlotte, N.C. "It is unusual to win a Chrysalis Award on their first attempt, and this says a lot for Craftsmen Construction," says Ken Kanlane, Awards Director.

The Chrysalis Awards program begun in 1994, consists of 5 regional remodeling competitions, and recognizes quality work in all types of projects and price ranges in the South, Southwest, West, Midwest and Northeast.

"By showcasing the "best of the best" the Chrysalis Awards help increase quality and professionalism throughout the industry," say Lowe’s Vice-President Mike Brown.

The purpose of this renovation was to increase the family living spaces of the den, kitchen and breakfast room and have them be open to each other. The renovation was designed for a large family and their family gatherings. They desired a large open space to enhance their family living. The result was the creation of the "life-style triangle", family cooking, family dining and family living area.

The solution to this expansion resulted in a covered patio below for a shady area for the pool and a large sunroom/breakfast room above. The addition was enhanced by the roof detail of a gable and a shed, allowing for a large arched window and exciting interior ceiling lines. The exterior load-bearing wall was removed and the existing second floor load was supported by the installation of two steel I-beams which were installed with a crane. The wall between the original kitchen and den was also removed. This created a large open family area including the kitchen, den and new addition. The spaces were defined by the large island, breakfast bar and interior columns.

The interior finishes were selected to maintain the traditional style of the home, rich cherry cabinets and granite countertops. The cherry cabinets were continued into the den area to create a focal point around the fireplace and media center. Also they were designed for a new wet bar and home management center.

The kitchen design was an optimum working kitchen with areas for food prep, cooking, serving and clean up. Gracious storage for food, dishes and equipment was provided. The original house was a basic four-square, sited on a sloping lot with a lower level and a swimming pool in the rear yard. Expanding the space on the main floor would result in a lower level expansion as well.

Special recognition also goes to Charlotte In-Vironments for designing this project with a fabulous working kitchen, a sunroom/breakfast room with a view, a spacious den/media room all open to each other for family living and gracious entertaining. Finally, the exterior design enhanced the rear elevation for a beautiful view from the swimming pool.



BUILDING A BASEMENT WITH YOUR ADDITION

We are often asked to include a basement under a new addition. Sometimes this is a fairly simple task if the lot slopes right , the soil is good, equipment access is easy, and the weather is cooperative. Of course this is often not the case, so every addition with a basement will be different. We recommend spending the money to have soil samples taken and analyzed to determine everything from the water table level to the bearing capacity of the soil. This information will enable the structural engineer to properly size the concrete footer, and keep poor soil from stopping the project. Once the plans are drawn, then the best game plan must be turned into a workable schedule.

After all work is scheduled, it is time to start the preliminary demolition of the existing house. This can include anything from removing the brick veneer and old chimneys to the complete demolition of an entire wing of the existing house. Depending on how the new basement will line up with the old house, it may be necessary to support the existing house on temporary steel I-beams. After the preliminary site work, we prefer to have the surveyor pin the excavation area. Then we can dig, after deciding what to do with the extra dirt. If good weather holds, the bottom of the hole is soon leveled with a laser level and an excavator. In most cases, the disturbed soil in the floor area of the basement will need to mechanically compacted.

We prefer a concrete basement footer and wall system for its superior strength and speed of installation. After our surveyors return to pin the footing locations the footers are formed and laser leveled. Steel rebar reinforcement is then added, and the footings are poured right on the bottom of the leveled basement excavation.

After the forms are stripped, the basement wall steel reinforcing is tied in place. Then steel forms are set on both sides of the walls and filled with concrete. After the concrete sets up the forms are removed and you have solid walls. The exterior of the new walls should be waterproofed with an applied waterproof membrane covered with a protection/drain board. A French drain system, consisting of perforated pipe and washed gravel covered with filter fabric should be installed around the entire wall and either run into a sump pump or sloped downhill to daylight. In some cases, where ground water intrusion may be a factor, it is wise to install a second French drain system under the basement slab.

A minimum of 4" of gravel will be added before the future slab is treated for termites. The floor area is covered with 6 mil. polyethylene as a vapor barrier. A reinforcing wire mesh is laid over the poly before the final 4" inch concrete slab is poured and finished. After the first floor above is framed, it will be time to backfill around the new basement, but you can’t backfill completely because …, well that is another chapter of this story.

As your can see, a lot of planning and hard work go into building a basement. Craftsmen Construction is dedicated to performing the hard work it takes to construct the addition of your dreams, with or without a basement.



What is the REMODELING “Big50”?
REMODELING Magazine's Annual “Big50” Award

The “Big 50” is a remodeling business excellence award for best practices. Every May, REMODELING inducts 50 new companies who have set the standard for professionalism and integrity through smart marketing, exemplary business practices, unique design, and extraordinary impact on their community or the industry at large. Big50 remodelers run successful, growing companies of various sizes that have taken the lead in raising the standards of the industry. To date, more than 1,000 remodelers who have demonstrated such excellence can boast being a member of the Big50.

Making the Picks
Once they have received nominations - typically between 300 and 350 names -- the editorial staff goes to work narrowing the field.  Companies nominated by more than one source are strong candidates, as are companies who get strong recommendations from their peers.  They talk with a variety of people at the companies themselves, and often to their competitors, clients, suppliers, and subcontractors.  Big50 contractors must meet industry standards of operating excellence, and must measure up to certain financial benchmarks.

After all this research is complete, the REMODELING editorial staff selects 50 remodelers who exemplify the very best of the industry and have something to offer other remodelers in proven practices. Winners are matched to one of the following categories:

Business Savvy: remodelers with effective, established business  systems
Fine Design: remodelers with high aesthetic standards for their projects
Industry Impact: remodelers who have taken an active leadership role in industry building activities
Market Wise: remodelers who have built their business around a keen understanding of the market they serve
Movers & Shakers: larger remodeling companies that aggressively expand their market share
Niches: remodelers who have built successful companies serving an easily overlooked but profitable corner of the market
Sales & Marketing: remodelers with effective systems for obtaining leads and closing sales
Teamwork: remodeling companies with personnel who work together effectively to achieve more than the sum of their individual work

Over the years, Big50 has become a tightly-knit community of more than 1,000 remodelers who return regularly to the Remodeling Leadership Conference, a two-day series of seminars that include the awards banquet at which the current winners are announced. One of the most valuable side benefits of selection to the Big50 is the opportunity to build relationships with other winners, many of whom keep in touch with each other throughout the year.

In the end, the name "Big50" is something of a misnomer, since the awards have little to do with a company's size. The award recognizes excellence and leadership, and the companies who belong to this select group set an example for the rest of the industry.